Generally everything is shitty right now...leaky roof + extra rainy April=suckage and mold
Working on commissions...not happy with how they are coming along :( Trying to sew 3 civil war re-enactment dresses...need to get business cards printed...some how...need to finalize a name for my historical costuming business...scraped/grated my knee up badly...sliced the tip of my finger...cat had diarrhea in the hall ;-; It's cold as hell...roofing contactors giving me the "poor little woman" job cost and then getting mad when I show I know a good bit about roofing and question their exorbitant price quote...Westley is teething and won't sleep.....just everything!!!!!! Going a little crazy here...my headache won't goo away....sigh...sorry for ranting and raving.

I swear, if you ever think about moving into an old home...please PLEASE make sure it was taken care of before you move in. We are stuck in an old dump that looks nice until you see it's guts and all it's missing broken parts. Our roof leaks like a freakin' sieve ...and now we have mold in the sun room ceiling and rotten wood. The plaster walls and moulding have been pretty much destroyed on one wall of our living room too. That's another thing, if you have construction/work being done on your home-be very very nosey! If you don't they will often just half-ass it and go. They did it here before I moved in. My husband's grandmother lived here alone and didn't even ask what the were doing to anything. She just wrote them checks and assumed they were honest. Today we had a roofer come and look at our roof, he said the "repair" that was done a few years back before we moved in made the roof leak!!!! WTF??? I just want to eat someone's face off right now...*grumbles and stomps off*

Ok, now that I have your attention...anyone who commissioned and paid for a bookmark from me, please note me! I was checking my lis and I swear I'm missing a few, so please, send me a note (also include a link to your most up to date ref image). I will be going on a very very long car ride this weekend and I want to see if i can get them all draw out while the little one is passed out in his car seat :3

Again...DO NOT comment here, please send me a note!

Thanks everybody!

i am so drained...I don't think I have had more than a three hour stretch of sleep at a time for at least the last month....Westly is teething and has entered that clingy "gotta be held by only mama" 24/7 thing...so I barely even get a decent bath in :( Having fun dealing with his milk allergy (he's allergic to cow's milk specifically) so since I'm breastfeeding that means nothing with milk in it...which is pretty much everything...You don't really think about it until it's an issue. Things like cake, biscuits, cookies, chocolate, caramel, battered foods, and like a million other things are now completely off limits. Fun fun...but I'll do what ever I have to, to make sure he has the best possible nutrition which is definitely breast milk. But as a result of all this fun stuff...I can't get a thing done. I have so much art whirling around in my brain, but I can't get it out...don't have the time...I'm only able to type this because Westley just took his tylenol so he can sleep for about 30 mins...maybe. So hopefully I'll have the time to get some art done once these teeth cut through. Time to attempt to go shower LOL. Love you all!

I feel so special here lately....I can't make my brain work quite right LOL. I can't seem to even get words from my brain to my mouth in-tact and my typing and grammar skills ran away a long time ago haha. So please ignore my badly written, misspelled and grammatically retarded posts and comments from the last say...month or so. The tiny tiny amount of sleep I do get is so few and far between that it doesn't really do me much good :p So, bear with me...I will get better hehe...and I may post some art today...nothing special though, just trying to retrain my hands to produce something decent...not all shaky and messy :3

So, I was inspired by a post from the lovely :ValentineCrow: with some talk about art styles and such...so I pose to you all: What style of mine do you like the best ? I know they all have significant weak points (mostly due to my jumping from one to another when the fancy hits-though right now I don't need to have those pointed out, my art ego is rather shot right now), but which do you think seems more "me" and which is more enjoyable to look at ? I feel I'm at such a weak point art wise right now...I need the imput. I'm just not happy with what some out SO much of the time now...so...anybody?

Hey everyone, sorry I have been gone and completely silent. Some major things happened in the latter half of the pregnancy that made me back away from everything. We had some disturbing news on an anatomy ultrasound, he only has one functioning kidney (he was diagnosed with MCDK). Everything is fine now, and after 24 hours in labor, Westley Matthew strother is here!!!! I'm very very overwhelmed right now, so don't expect to see me online until after the holidays. I'm sorry for the prolonged absence, but right now, he comes first. I'll post a photo for everyone, but I'll remove it in a month or so. All my love to you all and Happy Holidays!

I apologize for not posting a single thing in I don't know how long. I have been working a huge amount, yet receiving only sporadic and insufficient pay (a new small business does good to break even the first year, the pet shop I work for is losing more than we are making and I working for a friend of the family, so it gets rather messy and I make pretty much nothing-I think I have gotten money in hand maybe 3 times, and no more than $30 each time-since April). I am going to have to leave the job anyhow due to the fact I'm in my third trimester now and can't exactly run a whole pet shop (especially since I usually open-which involves cleaning all the puppy pens, bird cages,ferret cages, etc. as well as feeding everything in the shop. The bending/lifting/carrying is becoming way too much for me not to mention energy-wise, I just can't do it anymore. I have caught myself crying while at my job (I'm usually alone for at least 6 hours on days I work) because I am so tired and so exhausted and just want to go home. I have also developed bad sciatica and I'm having trouble sitting/standing for any period of time and a decent night's sleep has become a thing of the past (mainly due to severe back and hip pain that wakes me up every couple of hours) So honestly, my art isn't going to be popping up here as much as I would like, but hopefully once I escape my pet shop job, I may have the time to do something...other than work to the point of excruciating pain and depression.

I'm so glad FA is back...I just popped on here and expected it to still be unavailable. I MUCH prefer using FA over DA any day. Everyone here is so friendly, warm and sweet *hugs for everyone* DA just comes across as very cold to me, especially if you aren't AMAZING FANTASTIC as far as art goes...you may as well disappear, which really isn't the way it should be, but it happens *shrugs* Now if I can just kick my own ass into action and stay as far away from my bed as possible, I'll have some art to show for all this down time soon. Not napping for large portions of the day has been the hardest thing...just too tempting to lay down and curl up...then pass out LOL.

Oh...and I have an exciting announcement!!!! We went to the OB doctor Monday and had the second ultrasound and we know what we are having!!! *Drum roll*.......a boy!!!!! We have a first name picked out , Westley . It was also my grandfather's name, so I like the idea of keeping it alive :3 We are undecided on the middle name so far, I like James (which is also Matt's -My husband- middle name and the name of his grandfather) . He mentioned that originally and then brought up naming him after his father, Coleman-though he's called Coe. Matt's brother is already named for his father as it is and I don't think it's time to use that name again yet, plus I really just don't like the name and it does not work with Westley. I am shooting for James. But yeah :3 hehe I'm carrying a little boy in my belly now, they also upped my due date, from the original 11-22 to 11-15 ( I guess he's growing quickly). I won't post more ultrasound pics this time, not exactly what everyone wants to see I know LOL.

I have only seen some one blatantly take my art one time before (it was a terrible tracing and scribbly colored pencil piece of crap on Furbid by some 13 year old) now some other little ass has taken my art.(I know some people here have had really bad art theft that are way beyond this, but I'm still grumbly) ..while just randomly wandering through google images I saw a little "doll" that had some of my ferret badger art smacked on it as a pet. http://www.silentillusions.com/aries.htm She even states that she made all props on the entire page..little lier..I am trying to track down an email so I can make sure she either removes the image entirely or at least credits me. I swear, why are some children so damn retarded ? seriously...*angry badger grumbles* Here is my original: http://www.furaffinity.net/full/884914/

my stupid pc was running fine until (apparently) sometime last night...I came and sat down at my computer early today to finish working on something (I got sleepy and passed out after dinner LOL) that I had about 70% done (a spur of the moment piece that was coming along wonderfully-and yes, I was too tired to think to save as I was working on it *slams head on desk repeatedly*) and apparently my computer had restarted itself sometime during the night...art all gone *sob* wft?!?! damn pc....I wish my mac was working...it doesn't do this type of crazy random shit....arrrrrgggg....Microsoft how I hate thee!!! *dramatic Shakespearian tone*

sorry for falling off the face of the earth for a while there...my body has been my sworn enemy the last few months. The perpetual feeling of having been beaten all over with a baseball bat and being on the verge of vomiting 24/7 made doing much of anything impossible all n top of having the energy level of a lazy slug. I spent way way too much time in the bed trying not to move, less my body decide to throw up everything I had eaten previously :( Bet description would be having the flu for 3 months....not fun. As of the last few days I feel much MUCH better. The doctor says many women refer to this as the "honeymoon" phase of pregnancy LOL. I am actually able to get up and move around close to a normal level...finally! I plan to start back at commissions tomorrow (I have a doctor's appointment shortly today *sigh*) ! Don't worry, I haven't forgotten anyone and I humbly apologize for the long long long long wait....this was not exactly the way I expected to spend the spring :p Thank you everyone for the nice words and well wishes *hug*

I am so sorry I have been completely absent from the internet the past few weeks. I had some big things fall into my lap. I got a new full time job and found out I was pregnant. We were planning on having kids eventually anyhow, so all we did was move that up a little I guess LOL). I so happy <3 I am in the midst of scheduling doctor appointments while trying to work and on top of all that not loose my lunch every time I move around LOL (morning sickness should really be called All-day sickness-crackers are my friend!) So, that's why I've been missing for a while. I just thought you all should know, just in case you though i was dead ;P

Sorry I've been so quiet lately everyone. Life has been busy and interesting as of late. I promise I will be back in full force soon! That's it really...just wanted you all to know I wasn't dead :3

-Mud Paw

I'm sorry I've been rather in a coma as far as art here lately. Almost everything i have done recently saddens me..skill-wise :( I have like 20 pics in progress which I hope I don't have to scrap...but we'll see if I can bring them back from the brink before I do anything brash. Been a bit emotionally wonky lately too...feeling a bit shy and closed up about somethings....but eh, that's life isn't it :) Don't have to air all your dirty laundry to the world ;) Hopefully I'll have a big upload soon, since I'm feeling a little better the last week and half or so. ....that is all..move along :p

apparently the con crud killed my immune system...I'm sick again...this time a fever/bad swollen sore throat and all over aches and tenderness :( I am so behind now on everything....people commissioning me...I'm sorry...I've been SO slow...I promise I will have a bunch to upload soon!! I love you all....please don't beat me for being so slow *whimper*

Got back late Sunday night...passed out pretty much immediately. Had a spectacular time, the most fun I've had had in years and years. The lack of food and sleep did a bit of a number on me, but I survived ;) I have contracted con crud though :( SO tired...sore throat...sinuses of evil...I am SO glad I got to meet so many new people! I miss you all so much!!!!! Probably no cons until FWA next year. I can't afford to fly anywhere anytime soon, much less also pay for lodging/admission and food.

---Loki (my cat) update

---

-stitches came out nice and easy last week, now only about a month before he has to go back and get more x-rays of the internal pins and see if they will be ready to remove. If so, I hope I have a little money saved by then to pay for the minor surgery required ( why didn't they mention this before I took him in to get out the stitches?...grrrr) I guess that's how it goes. Vet bills are getting to teh point they cost about as much as human medical bills...I don't even have health insurance myself and haven't been to a doctor in years :( Why does life work this way?

-Thank you everyone who spent time with me and didn't mind my complete inability to do much that required money. Attending a convention with virtually no money can still be a great con!!! I miss you all!!!!!! *cry*

well....tomorrow morning I'm heading to FWA!!! Anyone who's going, see you there! See everyone back here Sunday night!

Just letting everyone know I'm still open for commissions!

Still got a little ways to go to pay off the vet bill...so I thought I'd open up some more commissions. NOTE: if you will be at FWA and want a badge or bookmark I can hand-deliver it to you at the con- saves you $2 since there's no shipping!

Prices are as follows:


-Icons-$7 -full color (100 x 100 unless otherwise specified)

-Bookmark-$15-full color-traditional or digital- printed and laminated (requires $2 extra for shipping and lamination)

-Badges- $20- full color digital- printed and laminated (requires $2 extra for shipping and lamination) your choice of metal clip-on or lanyard hole!

-Portrait art- $25- full color "from chest up/bust" type image, 1 character/subject . To add another one add $5.


-I am also offering custom jewelry! ($15-$30 depending on type)- examples: http://mudpaw.deviantart.com/art/In.....eaven-68193491
http://mudpaw.deviantart.com/art/Am.....sions-68114337 http://mudpaw.deviantart.com/art/Mi.....liffs-68201610


Paypal: mudpaw[at]hotmail.com (if you send payment please put your FA name in the message somewhere, so I know who's paid!)

Leave a comment here or note me if interested!

Hey everyone...Just thought I'd drop you all a little note, I have a new account at DA for JUST my jewelry/non-furry costumes and their designs and any other non-anthro, non-furry stuff I do. So....give it a look if you want ;)

find it here: http://ash-n-steam.deviantart.com/

Everyone, I have a BIG problem and I need money badly. I have just had to rush one of my cats to the vet. His leg has been shattered! He has to have reconstructive surgery that will cost me $550-$600. My father is going to let me borrow the money(credit card) for right now. I have to be able to pay him back by the end on the month of February. As many of you know I am currently unemployed. I am offering up art of all kinds! Badges/bookmarks/icons/portraits/Jewelry. I wish I could offer costume stuff, but I just don't have the materials or the $ to buy them. I have changed my prices a little, here are the guidelines:


-Icons-$7 -full color icon of your choice.

-Bookmark-$10-full color-traditional or digital- printed and laminated (requires $1 extra for shipping and lamination)

-Badges- $20- full color digital- printed and laminated (requires $1 extra for shipping and lamination)

-Portrait art- $25- full color "from chest up/bust" type image, 1 character/subject . To add another one add $5.



-I am also offering custom jewelry! ($15-$30 depending on type)- examples: http://mudpaw.deviantart.com/art/In.....eaven-68193491
http://mudpaw.deviantart.com/art/Am.....sions-68114337 http://mudpaw.deviantart.com/art/Mi.....liffs-68201610

-I do not draw the following:

People, sexual acts, vore, gore.


-All profits will go to paying for the surgery. Thank you for reading this and please pass it on to anyone you feel might be interested! You can email me at: mudpaw(at)hotmail(dot)com. This is also my Paypal address.

I was just thinking, would anyone here be interested in conbadge? Full color-laminated-high quality digital color and print. Only $10! With attachment type of your choice ( classic badge clip-on or lanyard type clip or even a keyring) Anyone going to FWA can get their's personally delivered by me for free at the con, any one else can have their's shipped for and extra $1. Do I have any takers?

so..it's getting close now! This will be my first furry convention, so I'm a little nervous, plus I don't want to hang out all by myself the whole time *cry*...so...who's going?....and who wouldn't mind a quiet badger bothering them at some point ;)

I am SO sorry I have been so slow with getting my half of these things done....I am desperately trying to find a job, so alot of my time is spent in the car and filling out applications :( I have sketched 99% of all the stuff I owe. I am inking and coloring things in an assembly line fashion as we speak....so keep an eye out here for the next few days if I owe you art!!! I hope to be done with everything by next week/midweek!

ok...3 people so far caught the kiriban...apparently furaffinity lets lots of people see the same page view....ha...didn't realize that....so, if anyone else has the kiriban page capture I will still do art for you...it's only fair!....so note me with the capture....These will probably be little portraits since I got more than I expected *embarrassed* ...and I hate to say it....I didn't even think anyone paid that journal any attention....that's why I deleted it....yeah...shows what I know apparently...